Preferential Adoption of Bio-fortified Pro-vitamin A Yellow cassava varieties as Smart Feeding for Rural Farmers in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the preferential adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin A yellow cassava varieties as smart feeding for rural households. It employed cross-sectional data obtained from 318 farmers in Southeast Nigeria. Data were analysed using percentages, binary logistic regression, Mean, and standard deviation. The study found that the most highly adopted bio-fortified pro-vitamin A cassava varieties were: TMS07/0593 (92.6%), TMS 1371 (80%), and TMS 0539 (77%). The study revealed that access to farmland, farming experience, contact with extension agents, access to vitamin A yellow cassava stems, income from vitamin A yellow cassava, and low carbohydrate content were the significant predictors of adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin A yellow cassava varieties in the zone. The result from the study further showed farmers' order of preference for the adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin A yellow cassava varieties. The cost-benefit analysis revealed that the cultivation of bio-fortified pro-vitamin A yellow cassava gives a higher profit margin than the cultivation of white cassava. Farmers should be highly involved in farm enhancement collaborations to enhance their access to farm inputs that will boost their production. It is necessary to intensify the production of bio-fortified pro-vitamin A yellow cassava due to its nutritional benefits and higher profitability index.